Man faces sentence for drug deals role

James Buckby appears at Swindon Magistrates Court charged with possession of drugs and intent to sell

A MAN found with bags believed to contain diazepam, ketamine and methylamphetamine during a routine police check will appear at Swindon Crown Court next month to be sentenced for his “significant” role in a drugs operation.

James Buckby, 27, of Witney, was of no fixed abode when he was stopped by officers while driving in Swindon earlier this year.

Buckby was subject to the routine search during a stop on May 13 when officers discovered a number of bags thought to contain a variety of illegal substances.

His mobile phone was examined and found to contain text messages believed to be consistent with a significant drug dealing operation in the town, using advertising tactics to attract customers.

Buckby appeared at Swindon magistrates court yesterday charged with possession with intent to supply 551mg of class A drug MDMA and other class C drugs, including 3.94 grams of ketamine and 72 tablets of diazepam.

The case has been transferred to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing after Buckby indicated he intended to enter an early guilty plea.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: “This is thought to be dealing on a significant scale.

“On the afternoon of May 13, 2014, a Rover was stopped in Swindon while police were carrying out insurance checks.

“A search was carried out of the car, and during the search of Mr Buckby and the vehicle, officers found a bag containing a large quantity of tablets, and wraps were also found.

“A strip search was carried out when Mr Buckby was taken back to the station. Text messages were found on a mobile phone which are believed to relate to him being involved in supplying drugs.

“Admissions were made in the course of interview. The total value of the drugs found was £669, which is at the upper end of the scale.

“The statement of one of the officers says that it is clear from reading the text messages on the phone that the report is the user was involved in the sale of methylamphetamine, PVP valium and ecstasy.

“They are thought to be relating to a supplier as advertising texts were sent out and orders were bought in bulk to be sold on to smaller dealers.”

Emma Thacker, representing Buckby, made no representations in view of an early guilty plea to be submitted at Swindon Crown Court on October 3.

Buckby was released on unconditional bail to appear at crown court on that date.